Fireworks, barbecues, and poolside celebrations are sure signs that it’s time to celebrate America! And what’s not to celebrate? A capitalist project, born reliant on slavery, that continues to imprison the largest population on the planet. This place pollutes more than any other, has more gun violence than any other, and is led by a bumbling geriatric who believes bipartisanship and a long, hard look in the mirror will save this place.
If you needed another reason to question what you’re celebrating today, consider the fate of Jayland Walker, a young black motorist stopped by police on June 27 in Akron, Ohio. For reasons that remain unclear (but definitely rhyme with shmacism), the police believed he had a gun and deemed it appropriate for eight officers to unload more than 90 shots, with coroners eventually counting about 60 wounds on Walker’s body. After shooting Walker this many times, the officers on the scene still thought it necessary to place handcuffs on his expired body.
“I completely understand that some residents and guests will be disappointed by the decision to cancel the (Rib, White and Blue) festival this holiday weekend, unfortunately, I feel strongly that this is not the time for a city-led celebration.” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan//Captain Obvious
The Akron police department’s decision to release body camera footage from this lethal encounter (which took place a week ago) on the Sunday before a national holiday is evidence that they know how badly it reflects on them. It’s also a decision couched in the confidence that more people will tune in to watch a hot dog eating contest than will pay attention to Jayland’s unjust murder.
Side Items
US officials have graciously concluded that the bullet that pierced Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh’s helmet and killed her was, in fact, fired by an Israeli. Officials are conveniently still supporting a theory that the bullet didn’t mean to kill the innocent journalist, it must’ve just got lost between the muzzle of the gun and its intended target.
Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues, as their forces push west into Donetsk, a mineral-rich province that Rootin’ Tootin’ Putin has had in his sights for awhile